AutoGuide got the chance to test drive the new Jaguar E Pace and they came away fairly impressed with a couple exceptions. Overall they think its a great compact luxury crossover, with beautiful styling inside and out, as well as decent boot space. They do think the performance could use some tweaking, especially in the smaller engine option and they also came across a couple of harsh gear changes.

I think the E Pace is a great luxury crossover, especially for a first generation model. There is obviously room for improvement, which Jaguar will make to the model over time, but you cant argue that its one of the better looking options in this segment.

I'm sure that we will see a bunch of revisions to the powertrain options in the next generation. I wonder if Jaguar has any interest in offering it with a RWD configuration like on the F Pace. I feel like its current FWD setup is really limiting it's performance potential.

I think the E Pace is a great luxury crossover, especially for a first generation model. There is obviously room for improvement, which Jaguar will make to the model over time, but you cant argue that its one of the better looking options in this segment.

Once higher performance versions launch I bet we'll see an increase in even the lower trims. Mercedes, BMW and Audi are benefiting a lot from SUV sales, and even performance trims. JLR's SVR strategy works once applied correctly, the E-Pace will show its true potential when that time comes.

As much as I like the SVR trims of the F Type and F Pace, I don't know if its something they should offer on every model in their lineup. Similar to what Ford is doing with the ST badge, I feel like its just watering down the prestige of it.

As much as I like the SVR trims of the F Type and F Pace, I don't know if its something they should offer on every model in their lineup. Similar to what Ford is doing with the ST badge, I feel like its just watering down the prestige of it.

Mercedes and BMW are key rivals that are paving the way for smaller brands like Jaguar, if Jaguar decides to proceed. If it wasn't for the current SVR line up and models with extreme performance like the XE Project 8, then I would see no potential. What's the worst that can happen if they launched it with a limited allotment of say, a couple thousand?